Latest news with #CleanTechnica
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Abandoned gas station undergoes stunning transformation into next-gen charging hub: 'Vital to the region's journey'
An old gas station — or petrol station, as they call it in the United Kingdom — is getting a major cleanup in every sense. CleanTechnica shared how one of the country's biggest charging networks for electric vehicles, is transforming one into a charming spot for a quick coffee and a charge. "EV drivers need ultrarapid charging hubs along busy routes and in the hearts of communities, and this site serves both," CEO Asif Ghafoor told CleanTechnica. "With over 26,000 vehicles passing daily, it's ideally placed to serve commuters looking to charge their vehicles while grabbing a coffee." The company operates a network of over 800 charging bays in the U.K., with that number set to double by the end of this year. This particular site is part of an effort to reach areas that have been underserved thus far in the public charger rollout. "With the number of EV drivers in Greater Manchester expected to exceed 150,000 by 2038, developments like the Manchester Charging Oasis are vital to the region's journey toward net zero," Ghafoor explained. Not only will the station help provide fuel and stability for EV drivers, but it will help the broader local economy, too. With more drivers coming through the area more regularly, experts estimate that spending at nearby establishments will increase by up to 3%, per CleanTechnica. The site was thoroughly decontaminated to prepare it for its new function, and all of its charging ports will be 100% powered by clean and renewable energy. It's a fitting 180-degree pivot from its original petrol-pumping function, considering that transitioning to EVs — both at a consumer and a commercial level — is a vital part of helping the country meet its goals of carbon neutrality by 2050. "There's real momentum behind the shift to cleaner transport — a clear sign we're approaching mass-market adoption," Ghafoor said. "It's a promising outlook for both local infrastructure and the broader net-zero transition." The Manchester Charging Oasis should open this summer. It will be open 24/7, and drivers will be able to add up to 325 miles of range in just a 20-minute stop. Do you think EVs are more stylish than gas cars? Definitely No way A few models are Most models are Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Company secures $13 million to harness overlooked energy hiding beneath our feet: 'Unlocking a new era'
As CleanTechnica reported, Texas-based startup XGS Energy has raised $13 million to expand its geothermal system, which doesn't rely on underground water or cracked rock to generate power. The U.S. Air Force recently permitted the company to compete for clean energy projects at military bases, showing a growing interest in alternatives to dirty energy. Most geothermal plants only work where heat, porous rock, and groundwater meet. This limits their use to places such as the Western United States. XGS takes a different path. Its system uses a sealed pipe within a pipe, keeping fluids from touching the rock or escaping into Earth. The liquid heats up underground and returns to the surface to power equipment including heaters or generators. Because it uses no water and works in many types of terrain, it could serve formerly off-limit areas. Older versions of this idea were inefficient, but XGS added a key upgrade: a heat-conductive material wrapped around the pipe. It pulls additional heat to the well, "making a water-independent, geology-independent geothermal system economic for the first time," CEO Josh Prueher said. XGS tested its system last year in California, marking its first project outside the lab. Unlike enhanced geothermal methods that rely on high-pressure water, including those used by Fervo Energy, XGS' approach doesn't require fracturing the ground or injecting fluid. XGS avoids the risks of earthquakes or groundwater stress, and its steady output makes it well-suited for baseload power in drought-prone areas. Geothermal energy was already getting attention from military bases. Fort Bliss is one of several sites exploring new systems to lower emissions and strengthen energy security. XGS is part of a growing group of companies bringing fresh ideas to the field, each working toward cleaner, more dependable ways to power the grid. Should we be digging miles beneath Earth's surface? No way Definitely Depends what it's for Depends where we do it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The company's ability to work in more places with fewer environmental trade-offs stood out to investors. Aligned Climate Capital CEO Peter Davidson called the company's progress "unlocking a new era of geothermal scale," highlighting its potential to reduce pollution and meet the energy needs of cities, industries, and military facilities. This push fits into a larger shift toward solving critical climate issues with clean, scalable infrastructure that supports health, safety, and long-term energy independence. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Pioneering brand unveils next-gen battery tech that could save your home appliances in a power pinch: 'Far surpassing the industry standard'
Given the uptick in extreme weather events in recent years, increasing the possibility of power outages, having a backup power option is essential. According to CleanTechnica, clean energy company Bluetti recently unveiled a solution for anyone dealing with a power outage or someone on an outdoor adventure who wants portable electricity. The Elite 200 V2 All-powerful Portable Power Station offers enough power to keep necessary appliances running and the lights on during an outage. It has a 2,600-watt output and a battery with an incredible lifespan of roughly 17 years. "With the Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station, Bluetti takes another significant step forward by offering an impressive 6,000+ cycle life," CleanTechnica wrote, "translating to around 17 years of daily use, far surpassing the industry standard." The Elite 200 V2 can be charged via electric hookup or through solar charging, which would come in handy in the event of an outage or when in nature. Using both options, it can charge to 80% in just 50 minutes. Besides the clean energy aspect of the Elite 200 V2 coming with solar power capabilities, the components within the power station are environmentally friendly as well. It's made with a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, which comprises of materials that are plentiful, so the mining process is less energy intensive, and the materials are non-toxic, so these batteries are more easily recycled. A lot of batteries used in electronics are composed of lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The mining of nickel and cobalt is more energy-intensive, and all three materials are toxic, making them harder to recycle. Less energy-intensive mining of the components helps to fight the carbon pollution that contributes to the overheating of the planet and extreme weather, which are factors that make something like the Elite 200 V2 a necessity for homeowners in the first place. On top of that, the fact that it lasts as long as it does eliminates a lot of e-waste that could be created by products with shorter life spans. Do you have a backup power source in your home? Yes — a portable generator Yes — a full-on generator I use solar panels No — I don't Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Volvo XC60 shows why plug-in hybrids are the way to go
PHEV's running costs just R1.11 per kilometre compared to traditional SUV's R1.70. The Volvo XC60 Recharge offers the best of both worlds. Picture: Volvo The migration from internal combustion engine cars (ICE) to new energy offerings is gradually picking up speed in South Africa. Hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) are finding more and homes each year as buyers start recognising their benefits. According to CleanTechnica, sales of PHEVs doubled in 2024. A PHEV combines elements of both a traditional HEV and an BEV. Take the Volvo XC60 Recharge, for example. Under the bonnet is a turbo- and supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, supported by an electric motor and an 18.8kWh battery. ALSO READ: Know the PHEVs from the BEVs in Volvo's new energy repertoire Volvo XC60 packs a punch It offers an electric range of up to 81km, which is more than the average commuter travels per day. If charging isn't possible, the engine serves as a backup. This eliminates range anxiety usually associated with EVs. And just because PHEVs are greener doesn't mean they are slower than ICE cars. The XC60 Recharge produces 340kW of power and 709Nm of torque. It can 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds which is quicker than many V8-powered SUVs. But unlike thirsty ICE performance cars, PHEVs are renowned for its low running costs. While Volvo claim the XC60 Recharge will only sip 1.6 litres per 100km, it is a bit more complicated than that. First of all, the real-world number is higher, while electricity costs also needs to be factored into the equation. Put to the test So how does a PHEV's running costs compare to that of a similarly sized ICE SUV? The Citizen Motoring tested the larger Volvo XC90 Recharge over a 100km route that included a mix of highway and urban driving, heavy traffic, and multiple passengers on board to mirror how most people use their vehicles. Charging the battery at domestic rates cost us R56.40, while filling up the fuel tank with Unleaded 95 after 100km worked out to R55.10. The total cost of 100km was R111.50 which worked out to R1.11 per kilometre. An ICE SUV that achieves fuel consumption of 8L/100km will need R170.32 worth of fuel for every 100km. This works out to R1.70 per kilometre, which is more than 53% higher than the PHEV. ALSO READ: Volvo XC60 refreshed again after combustion engine commitment Best of both worlds This is clear proof that PHEVs offer a compelling blend of efficiency, performance, and flexibility. Reduced running costs make PHEVs a smart choice for those looking to cut fuel expenses without sacrificing power or long-distance capability. With rising fuel prices, the ability to drive on electric power alone for daily commutes adds even more value. As South Africans continue to embrace electrified vehicles, PHEVs stand out as a practical and cost-effective stepping stone toward full electrification.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers uncover innovative farming solution that could transform how food is grown: 'The site was carefully selected'
While agrivoltaics — the practice of splitting the land between solar power and agriculture — isn't new, it could be the answer to U.S. farmer woes. According to CleanTechnica, adding solar power to farms could help generate needed income for farmers because they can sell the excess power. Solar power also decreases the need for watering because it provides shade and cooler temperatures, so the water doesn't evaporate. Additionally, it can help countries meet their environmental goals. Farmers are having a hard time because the administration has frozen funding, Farm Aid reported. With the expected funding vanishing, agrivoltaics could be a way for them to earn some extra income. While it could be the answer, CleanTechnica said the benefits are complicated. That's where Cornell University researchers come in. They've published a study in Applied Energy using fractional programming, a method that has been used since the 20th century for agricultural systems. It confirmed the benefits of using agrivoltaics for irrigation. Economically speaking, the model indicated that using 90% of the land for agriculture and 10% for solar was best. However, for environmental benefits, the model showed that only 60% of the land should be used for agriculture. Researchers said, "Ultimately, site design choices should align with decision-makers' goals, whether prioritizing economic, environmental, or balanced system efficiencies." University of Córdoba researchers proposed fractional programming as early as 1999. Unfortunately, with few real applications, it was hard to pinpoint the benefits. On the other hand, the Cornell University researchers believe they have cracked the code. According to Clean Energy, farmers can save money on their farms by using solar energy for operations, including irrigation. Instead of relying on a standard irrigation system that uses dirty energy sources, they can use solar power. After the upfront costs, it costs them nothing. Agrivoltaics can also help with energy security. CleanTechnica noted that Harmony Energy, a UK-based firm, is building New Zealand's "biggest solar farm to date." Would you live in a house made of fungus? Heck yes No way Maybe Only if you paid me Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The agrivoltaics project will be capable of supplying electricity to about 35,000 homes and businesses. Additionally, according to Nonprofit Quarterly, agrivoltaics has several environmental benefits, including reducing reliance on dirty energy sources, reducing the need to cut down forests for solar farms, and preserving wildlife habitats. It allows for local food production while reducing polluting gases from food transportation. It also makes farmers more resilient because it diversifies their land use. As for the U.S.'s use of agrivoltaics, in March, California Governor Gavin Newsom fast-tracked a project in Fresno County that will have 300 megawatts. The governor's office said, "The site was carefully selected to be on non-prime agricultural land, ensuring it does not disrupt valuable farmland." It added, "The project will use a dual-use model, with sheep grazing alongside solar panels to help manage vegetation, reduce fire risks, and improve soil health." You can use your voice to advocate for your state to initiate similar projects. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
